Benitez pleased by Aquilani progress

(GSM) – Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has tipped Alberto Aquilani to improve till the end of the season after being pleased with the Italian’s progress.

The Reds acquired the former Roma play-maker for £20million last summer, seen as an able replacement for the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso.

Unfortunately, the Anfield faithful have seen little of their big-money signing this season, with injury and illness keeping him sidelined for long periods.

There have, however, been signs on the rare outings he has managed that there is plenty more to come from him in the future.

With age on his side Benitez is adamant that 25-year-old can be a resounding success in England.

“You can see he wants to improve and it is important for us to have another player pushing,” Benitez told the club’s official website.

“We need players with quality to help us improve until the end of the season. Alberto has got desire and he is working very hard. When we have him available, he can give us a different approach on the pitch in different games.

“It is a question of time. It is disappointing that he was ill and missed out against Lille but we are hopeful he will continue to improve and play more games before the end of the season.”